I agree. That can't be the ONLY reason you do it. But it can be one of them. To be the best at whatever you do requires a very strict regiment to follow. That isn't something you would do for silly reasons, but shouldn't that be respectable? I think it should be respectable. That's my point. To not respect people who put time into something is wrong, especially when they are the best of the best.
Edit: I don't mean bow down to them. I mean at least they deserve a recognition. That is why some companies give special rewards to long-time workers. That is why you know people's names that you are not even familiar with. That is why your name will appear at the top of the list if you are ranked number 1.
